One of those goals, however, stands above the rest. The moment came in October 2013 at Camp Nou. Barcelona were locked in a tense battle with Madrid when Sanchez spotted goalkeeper Diego Lopez slightly off his line. What followed was a perfectly weighted chip that floated into the net, sealing a vital Barça victory. The goal was not just decisive, but unforgettable for its quality and audacity.
I study a lot. Before each match, I watch the last 20 penalties taken by the two or three main penalty takers. Sometimes you pick up information during their careers. Some shoot differently depending on the moment in the match or the score. I try to have as much information as possible.
The two midfielders endured very different fortunes during the match. Bellingham emerged as Real Madrid's hero after scoring the decisive goal, while Pedri endured a nightmare ending, seeing red in the dying moments of the game. However, what truly grabbed attention was Bellingham's remark directed at Pedri, which many have described as disrespectful and unnecessary. The incident took place during the second half, when Pedri appealed to referee Cesar Soto Grado to show Bellingham a red card following a foul.
"I didn't see what happened. I was on the bench and saw a lot of people. When the referee blew his whistle, Real Madrid players went after Lamine. It's a bit exaggerated. You'd have to ask them," he told Movistar. "In the first half we weren't sharp with the ball. Madrid hurt with their players up front. In the second half we lacked the ability to create danger and clear chances."
Sunday's Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid ended in absolute chaos as both sets of players ended up in a mass brawl after the full time whistle. A typically feisty affair saw Madrid win 2-1, while Pedri was sent off late on which seemed to raise tensions further. Vini Jr had also thrown an epic tantrum after being replaced in the second half. He made his feelings pretty clear and stormed off down the tunnel, before subsequently reappearing again.
Hansi Flick, despite being sidelined from the touchline in the El Clasico, is preparing to chase a historic mark. The Clasico always magnifies coaches' choices. If decisions get too bold, talk of "coach attacks" echoes around the stadium. Flick is reported to be building something special. In training, he has emphasised intense pressing drills to set the tone.
Barcelona will lock horns against Real Madrid on Sunday afternoon in the first El Clasico of the season, and the game is guaranteed to be a thriller. Both teams enter the games with clear areas of strength and tangible flaws, leaving the field open for any result. The home advantage works out in Los Blancos' favour, but last season's record hands the Blaugrana a massive psychological edge.
